MLC vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than MLC based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Martin Luther College is located in New Ulm, MN (Remote Town setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Martin Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Martin Luther College 10:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

MLC vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MLC or Otterbein University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Martin Luther College than Otterbein University ($18,974 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Martin Luther College are 40.3% lower than at Otterbein University ($7,900 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 96.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than MLC (about $17,428 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $18,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96.2% higher at Otterbein University than at Martin Luther College (about $17,428 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $18,120.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Martin Luther College as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 171.7% larger than aid received by Martin Luther College students ($27,923 vs. $10,276).

MLC vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MLC or Otterbein University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Otterbein University and MLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Martin Luther College (1170) is 20 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming MLC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 1078/1256; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 22/27; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MLC - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at MLC (3.56).
• MLC has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at MLC vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

MLC vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MLC and Otterbein University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Martin Luther College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than MLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Martin Luther College graduates have a $3,875 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($23,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MLC graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($239 vs. $279).
• More MLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.